Neymar was visibly moved to tears during a heartfelt unveiling ceremony at his boyhood club, Santos, on Friday, marking a poignant chapter in his illustrious career.
After 12 long years, the Brazilian forward has returned to the club where his journey began, and the reception was nothing short of extraordinary. An enthusiastic crowd of thousands gathered to celebrate the return of their beloved icon, showering him with affection and cheering for their ‘prince’. As Neymar took the stage, the emotional weight of the moment overwhelmed him, leading him to shed tears in front of the adoring fans—a testament to the deep-rooted ties he has with the club and the community.
This reunion comes on the heels of a challenging period for the 32-year-old player at Al-Hilal. His contract was cut short earlier this week after a frustrating and injury-laden 18 months in the Middle East, making his return to Santos even more significant as he seeks to revive his career and reconnect with his passion for the sport.
In a press conference following the unveiling, Neymar opened up about the rollercoaster of emotions associated with his journey back. He remarked, “There are some decisions that go beyond the logic of soccer, and some are impactful.” With honesty, he reflected on his time at Al-Hilal, stating, “When I was sure I was coming back, I confess that in January, at the beginning of January, I couldn’t imagine coming back to Santos or leaving Al Hilal.” This statement underscores not only his attachment to the Saudi club but also the surprise he felt at the turn of events.
While he experienced happiness during his time in Saudi Arabia—with his family thriving and his adaptation to a new environment seemingly successful—Neymar admitted that the situation took a turn. “Things happened and I had to make a decision. I started to feel sad in training, on a day-to-day basis, and it wasn’t going very well for me,” he revealed. As the opportunity to return to Santos materialized, it proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. “The opportunity to return came up and I didn’t think twice,” he emphasized, showcasing the readiness and eagerness he felt to transition back to a place filled with memories and passion.
Neymar also touched on the important discussions he had with his father regarding the choice to return to Santos. “From the first day, I had already decided to come back, I told my father and everything worked out. Everyone is happy,” he shared. His excitement was palpable as he continued, “I’m back with renewed energy. Ever since I set foot here I feel like I’m 17 again. I’m very happy, excited and very keen to play.”
Looking forward, the former stars of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain is set to commence his second chapter with Santos in March when the Brazilian Serie A 2025 season kicks off. This return is not merely a personal victory for Neymar; it symbolizes a reconnection with a club that has played a pivotal role in shaping who he is as a player and a person. The anticipation is building amongst fans, players, and supporters as they eagerly await his return to the pitch, hopeful that he will reignite the magic and flair football fans have come to associate with Neymar’s name, bringing a renewed sense of joy and inspiration to Santos and the broader Brazilian football community.
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